The classic British rom-com film series Bridget Jones is back for a fourth instalment and while plenty of fans are obviously buzzing, a key character won’t be returning to the cast.
The latest movie in the franchise, Bridget Jones’s Baby, was released back in 2016 and received fairly solid reviews for the most part following its 12-year hiatus and it looks as though the return was successful enough to adapt the most recent book as well.
Based on the 2013 novel of the same name, Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy, the upcoming return of the often overwhelmed, awkward and hopeless romantic lead character is set to see Renée Zellweger reprise role alongside key love interest Hugh Grant as Daniel Cleaver.
However, while Emma Thompson and others are also expected to return, veteran English actor Colin Firth will not be starring in Bridget Jones 4.
A new ‘BRIDGET JONES’ movie will release on February 14, 2025 on Peacock.
Renée Zellweger will reprise her role & star alongside Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Leo Woodall. pic.twitter.com/lDTTXg5I8n
As per a report by Deadline and as fans of the books will already know, 63-year-old Firth – who famously played the series’ other main heartthrob Mark Darcy in the first three films – isn’t part of the latest project as his character doesn’t appear in the latest title.
ADVERTISEMENT
Without giving too much away about the story, especially since author Helen Fielding hasn’t given away too much about how faithful the latest Hollywood movie will stay to her original written work, let’s just say the iconic British comedy and modern romance character is in a different place in her life.
However, the entertainment outlet did go on to reveal previously unknown details about the story’s adaptation for the big screen, confirming that Love Actually actor Chiwetel Ejiofor will be popping up in this one, as well as Netflix’s One Day star Leo Woodall.
While diligent readers who are completely up to date with everything printed so far can at least have a good idea of what to expect from the new Bridget Jones film, the rest of you will have to wait.
ADVERTISEMENT
As for exactly how long you’ll have to wait, well, that’s still kind of up in the air too. Although it has already been slated for Valentine’s Day 2025 in the US and international cinemas, as well as on the Peacock streaming platform, the UK release date is yet to be revealed.
Iconic Manc movie 24 Hour Party People is set to return to cinemas for its anniversary
Emily Sergeant
One of Manchester’s most iconic movies is set to return to the big screen next month.
Remastered in 4K and returning to UK cinemas to mark 24 years since its original release, Michael Winterbottom’s 2002 biographical comedy drama film, 24 Hour Party People, tells the story of Manchester‘s popular music community from 1976 to 1992 – specifically about Factory Records‘ founder Tony Wilson.
The film begins with the punk rock era of the late 1970s, before moving through the 1980s into the rave and DJ culture, and of course, the ‘Madchester‘ scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The narrative largely follows the career of Tony Wilson, played by Middleton-born actor Steve Coogan, while also covering the careers of the major Factory Records artists – especially Joy Division and New Order, as well as A Certain Ratio, The Durutti Column, and Happy Mondays.
If you haven’t seen 24 Hour Party People before, it’s a dramatisation based on a combination of real events, rumours, and urban legends, as the film is sure to make clear.
Coogan is joined by a cast by a mixture of big names and, at the time, rising stars like Paddy Considine, Shirley Henderson, Lennie James, John Simm, Ralf Little, Andy Serkis, Sean Harris, John Thomson, and even Peter Kay, alongside cameos from other figures connected to the Manchester music scene.
Before it returns to cinemas, the film will first open music and media festival/conference, Beyond The Music, at MediaCity in Salford on 6 October.
The screening at the festival will also be followed by a Q&A with Coogan, Winterbottom, and producer Andrew Eaton.
24 Hour Party People will then be re-released in UK cinemas from 9 October, and you can check your local cinema for screening times and book tickets online now.
Featured Image – Altitude
TV & Showbiz
Bury actress Kate O’Flynn wins big at 2026 Emmys with record-breaking comedy show
Emily Sergeant
Did you know that one of the big winners at the 2026 Emmy Awards last night was actually an actress from Bury?
In case it wasn’t on your radar, American television‘s biggest night, the Emmys, took place yesterday evening over in Los Angeles, and several records were broken in the process – including Apple TV’s comedy horror Widow’s Bay taking home the most Emmys ever for a single series of a comedy show, with 14 of them.
Widow’s Bay tells the story of mayor Tom Loftis, played by Welsh actor Matthew Rhys, who is trying to boost tourism on his rugged New England island, but must navigate several strange events that suggest it might be cursed.
Created by Katie Dippold, and executive produced and directed by Hiro Murai, Widow’s Bay was released in late April to widespread critical acclaim.
At the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards last night, the show scooped a record 14 awards, including for Outstanding Comedy Series, several acting wins, and wins for directing and writing too.
One of those acting wins was Kate O’Flynn for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series – an actress who hails from the Greater Manchester town of Bury.
Kate stars as Patricia Moyer, mayor Tom’s eccentric assistant in the show.
She grew up in Holcombe Brook near Ramsbottom, and was educated at Bury Grammar School, before she went on to train at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Acting in 2006.
Taking to the stage to accept her award last night, Kate said in her speech: “I want to thank our mayor [Matthew Rhys] and all the residents of Widow’s Bay, in front and behind the camera – you’re amazing. This is the role of a lifetime, thank you Katie and Hiro for trusting a Lancashire lass to play a sassy broad like Patricia. And thank you Apple [TV] for saying yes.
“Thank you Nicky and Tony for looking after me, my family back home, my mum and dad, and the loves of my life, my husband and our darling daughter – another sassy broad in the making.
Danny Jones -
10th April 2024 
